Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40394679›Full record

ArticleJournal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation2025

Identification of needs for an assistive robotic arm in individuals with tetraplegia: a mixed-methods approach.

N Hutmacher, A Bellwald, R Rätz, G Gruener, P Eichelberger, N Lutz, V Steiner, A M Raab

Abstract read
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In one paragraph

Article in Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

N HutmacherSchool of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland. nicole.hutmacher@bfh.ch.
A BellwaldSchool of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.
R RätzDepartment Engineering and Information Technology, Institute for Human Centered Engineering, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.
G GruenerDepartment Engineering and Information Technology, Institute for Human Centered Engineering, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.
P EichelbergerSchool of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.
N LutzSchool of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.
V SteinerSchool of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.
A M RaabSchool of Health Professions, Division of Physiotherapy, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland.

Funding

Swiss Paraplegic Foundation Foko_2022_05
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundA severe spinal cord injury (SCI) can profoundly affect an individual's physical abilities and social independence. For individuals living with tetraplegia, an assistive robotic arm offers the potential to restore some autonomy and reduce the need for constant assistance. However, current assistive technologies are often costly, impractical, and fail to meet the needs of those affected. This leads to high rates of abandonment and user frustration with the technology. The aim of this study was to identify the needs and expectations of both individuals with tetraplegia and their caregivers regarding an assistive robotic arm in performing everyday activities.

methodsA mixed-method approach was used, beginning with a focus group interview and followed by two online surveys; one aimed at individuals with tetraplegia and the other at caregivers. Qualitative analysis of the focus groups was performed using Focus Group Illustration Mapping. The online surveys were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively using structured content analysis.

resultsA total of seven participants (individuals with tetraplegia, caregivers, physiotherapists, and an engineer) took part in the focus group interview. The online surveys were completed by 49 individuals with tetraplegia and nine caregivers. The results showed that the participants were open to using a robotic arm but none used one at the time of reporting. The participants reported that a robotic arm should assist in unilateral activities such as reaching, grasping, handling objects and body manipulation. The greatest need was reported for functions related to object manipulation and for contact with the person's body. The participants reported wanting control over the robotic arm via voice commands or with a joystick. Concerns were reported regarding costs, the weight and the space required for the robotic arm.

conclusionsIn our study, individuals with tetraplegia reported that they would use assistive robotic arms for activities related to reaching, grasping, and object manipulation. Concerns regarding costs, weight and space requirements were reported. Our findings provide insights from a user perspective, informing future technical developments relevant to the tetraplegic population. However, generalizability might be reduced.

Indexed as

QuadriplegiaRoboticsSelf-Help DevicesSpinal Cord InjuriesActivities of Daily LivingAdultAgedCaregiversFemaleFocus GroupsHumansMaleMiddle AgedActivities of daily livingAssistive technologyCaregiversNeedsRequirementsRobotic armRoboticsSpinal cord injuryTetraplegiaUser-centered

Identifiers

PMID40394679
PMCPMC12093749

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.